Best Sony Vlogging Camera

For all those fine men, women and children of leisure and sporty pursuits, who like to record their outdoors and indoors adventures and share the content with the curious masses of folks of the World Wide Web, a mighty camera with a flip screen can truly represent a faithful ally throughout their shooting sessions, and help them reach their full video-narrating potential!

Since the illustrious art of 'vloggery' has really started to shoot up recently, I've gathered my Internet-browsing senses yet again, in an effort to make a top 5 list of the best cameras with a flip screen. Turns out — I made a top 7 list instead. And they're all from Sony.

Amidst a particularly sweaty research session, I've realized that this well-known Japanese company has many many vlogging-friendly models with a flip screen display, so I decided I would make a list comprised of only their cameras.

The devices you're about to see come at various price points, so it would be pretty fair to say that there's something here for everyone. Here's an overview of all the models I've gathered so far so that you can compare them more easily once you've read the article:

Sony DSC-HX90V/B: Best User-Friendly Model

Featuring a compact and delicately-shaped build typical of a Sony model, the DSC-HX90V/B offers a host of cutting-edge technical features. It's so small that it's hard to imagine it comes with a flip screen, but it does, and it functions like a clockwork.

Features

First of all, regarding the motor that's in charge of powering up this entire device, let's just say that Sony spared no expense to fit this camera with a proper processing station called the BIONZ X™ capable of spurring the rest of the components to give their best performance.

Ensuring the exceptional quality of the images you capture with one of these cameras in your hands, there are the ZEISS® Vario-Sonnar® lens and its mighty zooming mechanics. With one of these attached to the front of the camera, you can zoom in up to 30 times, and the quality of the footage doesn't waver substantially no matter how zoomed in you happen to be.

Performance

When it comes to actually making shots and filming footage, you'll have a rich array of additions and parts to support you before you've even started. For example, the OLED Tru Finder is a new type of viewfinder which offers a brighter view, allowing for some pretty impressive filming material to be produced.

Also, once the viewfinder has helped you find your target, and you proceed to capture the object of your interest, you will be helped by another type of performance-enhancing part- the 5-axis image stabilization module. So, no matter how shaky your hands tend to be, or how far away the filming subject, you can be sure that this camera will offer you optimal stabilization no matter what.

Compact and packed with advanced technology offering an exceptional performance every time, the Sony's DSC-HX90V/B represents a model that can you can carry everywhere and anytime.

Video Testing

Pros

Retractable OLED Tru Finder

The flip screen tilts up to 180 degrees

Compact build and elegant design

cons

The buttons with this model are exceptionally small

Some customers didn't really like the speed of the focus

Sony DSC-WX500/B: Best Model for Beginners

Also known as the 'selfie camera', the DSCWX500/B is one of the Sony's most successful flip-screen models to date, thanks to its powerful image processor and a set of other supporting technical parts that can enhance the images and footage further.

Features

Similarly to the situation with the previous model, with the DSCWX500/B, Sony decided to go with the BIONZ X™processing engine, since it's proven itself the right part for the job over and over again.

Left in charge of the quality of images and their optimization would be the well-known CMOS type sensor, capable of making use of every single pixel for an exceptional quality of the overall output. Also, it would be worth mentioning that this particular sensor has been commended for its behavior in low light conditions.

Performance

Among its numerous image-enhancing additions, the DSC-WX500/B rates rather highly when it comes to the number of supported formats. For example, you can shoot in XAVC S or AVCHD format, as well as easily produce MP4 content you can reproduce as soon as you've copied it to a device such as iPod, cell phone or simply an MP4 player.

Another rather useful perk of this Sony's selfie camera would be its user-friendly interface. It allows you to customize the arrangement of buttons so that you can quickly access your favorite functions without having to enter a bunch of menus and submenus in order to get there.

Boasting a powerful processor and a customizable set of buttons, the Sony's DSCWX500/B can be a great solution for a vlogger in need of a 'quick-fire' camera that can deliver great footage and images at a click of a button or two.

Pros

Comes with a 180-degree flip screen- perfect for selfies

Quick and customizable hot button menu

Has a special function for optimizing portrait shots

cons

The pop-out flash doesn't deploy automatically

You may experience some focus problems when zoomed in more than 10x

Sony FDR-X3000/W: Best Model for Underwater Filming

One of the biggest selling points of this model would surely be its impressive behavior in tough environmental conditions, as it's got a powerful body that can carry it through thick and thin of a typical vlogging experience. Also, there's much more hiding beneath its hood, technology-wise.

Features

The FDR-X300/W shows its massive outdoorsy merit, so to speak, if you look at its build. The whole body was shaped in a tubular fashion, with the lens representing the tip of the camera. The flip screen comes to the side allowing you plenty of space for maneuvering about and placing it whichever way you like.

Most notably, the body of this model is splash-proof, which means that it can withstand a bit of water being thrown in its general direction with the peril of its electronics getting breaking down ceremoniously. For complete waterproofness, however, you will need to buy a separate watertight housing, which isn't that expensive and can save you a load of trouble if you intend to shoot near water.

Mind, though, that if you choose to indeed go underwater, and don't attach a specialized microphone, the sound will actually be awful, or worse still, there will be no sound at all. Though given its abysmal quality when it does work, perhaps it's better that you don't hear it at all.

Performance

With its 12 MP's, the FDR-X3000/W offers a great quality of images, and if you take into consideration its special settings and modes of functioning, you'll see that we've got a pretty decent image-capturing device on our hands here.

Notably, the ZEISS lens enables you to shoot your photos or footage at certain angles, including wide, medium or narrow. Also, if you fancy taking burst mode photos, you can do that as well with up to 10 frames per second.

To spice it all up, there's the option of shooting your videos at 4K resolution, so, together with the reduced noise quality that this model offers as well, you can make some rather impressive footage. Of course, if you buy a watertight housing as well, you can film underwater scenery or your scuba diving shenanigans with ease.

If you're about to do some underwater exploring or take a series of photos of a school of clownfish, one of these FDRX3000/W models with an extra waterproof casing and perhaps an additional microphone may be just what you need to get the job done, and done well.

Pros

Easy-to-use interface

12 MP's shooting power

Comes with three selectable viewing angles

cons

Poor sound quality when used with the waterproof case

Turning the Wi-Fi on will drain the battery quite quickly

Sony HDR-AS50/B: Best for High-Paced Outdoor Filming

Featuring a sleek body that's small enough to be carried either in hand or as an accessory on your bike, helmet or some other vehicle, the Sony's HDRAS50/B represents a model that can provide you with stable images and breathtaking videos, no matter how bumpy your ride gets.

Features

First off, let's start with the lens, which is surely one of the highlights of this particular model. The lens model is called ZEISS® Tessar™ lens, and it truly offers some impressive features, regarding its size.

For example, with one of these mounted on your camera, you can expect crisp images with a high amount of environmental detail, so to speak. Also, its panoramic viewing angles make for a great tool you can use to capture some breathtaking aerial shots as well as landscapes.

Performance

Another brilliant by-product of this lens' s impressive characteristics is that you can shoot some great video footage in full HD and 60 frames per second, without fearing such irritating inconveniences like glitches, blurry pictures and other horrors that poorly-executed lenses tend to bring about.

Having mentioned the issue of the blur, if you've been struggling with poor handling of your camera or your hands tend to shake, you can have a big sigh of relief as the HDR-AS50/B comes with a so-called SteadyShot feature, ensuring that the images and footage at hand are presently corrected as they're being shot. This blur-battling technology has been proven to be three times more effective than the solutions that have been built into similar cameras so far.

When it comes to this cameras optimal utilization, so to speak, it would definitely be pronounced as the model perfect for exploration of the great outdoors! Considering its tough build, small size, and a wide-angle panoramic lens capable of capturing scenic images and footage in their full glory, the HDRAS50/B is a camera perfect for adventure-bound vloggers and fast-paced action.

Pros

Super effective blur-correcting technology

Waterproof, shock-proof, and dust-proof housing (possibly also badger-proof, but only with a case)

User-friendly button configuration

cons

The sound quality suffers immensely if you use it with a protective housing

Small focus distance

Sony Alpha 5100: Best Mid-Range Model for Semi-Pros

Featuring a tough 'n' rugged build that looks as though it was developed for military purposes, the a5100 represents a respect-commanding model that will get the job done every time you deploy it. It's the biggest strength would be its ridiculously powerful focus, which gives you enough room for shoot phenomenal images and videos at a distance.

Features

When it comes to the type of motor powering up this grand model, the folks at Sony decided to go with a fault-proof BIONZ X™ image processor — a mighty piece of technology that's been powering the bulk of the Sony's most recent models.

The main perks of this now already well-known engine would be its excellent noise-canceling properties for low-light shots, as well as the enhanced quality of images and footage in terms of color and the amount of detail in each shot or frame.

Another interesting aspect of this particular model worth pointing out would be that it's routinely sold without a lens. This is because the manufacturers deemed this model versatile and all-encompassing enough to be paired up with a wide variety of lenses.

Performance

If you find converting different video formats back and forth until you find one that would be suitable for uploading the content you've created on Youtube or some other online platform, you're going to love the next feature of the alpha 5000.

Namely, I'm talking about the fact that this particular model is perfectly capable of shooting footage in two different formats simultaneously. This means that you can have your material in an editing-friendly format, and then have that same 'tape' in an MP4 format that's ready to go live on Youtube in no time.

Since the main idea for this model (design-wise), was to create a camera that can take on a number of different lenses and perform like a clockwork, I would recommend it, above all, to experienced vloggers who already know what kind of output they expect from their filming apparatus.

Pros

Compatible with a large number of lenses

Powerful BIONZ X™ image processor

Features Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity

cons

Overheating may be an issue

Zooming in emits rather loud noises

Sony Alpha 7R II and Alpha 7S II: Best Value For Money

As the sixth entry on our list, we've actually got two bulky Sony models with similar characteristics and price points. These two are the best of the best when vlogging is in question, and are best suitable for an experienced user planning to expand their arsenal of high-class filming gadgets.

Features

Let's start with the Alpha 7R II first. With massive 42 MP's resolution, this model can capture even the minutest details of your object of interest and present them to you in great quality. On the other hand, the 7S has only got 12 MP's, which although not a bad number, surely doesn't come close to that of the 7R.

That being said, the 7S compensates for its lack of serious capturing power with an impressive battery life, which will enable you to take some 80 frames more in a single charge than the 7R. This can be an important aspect of its performance, especially if you plan to shoot somewhere out in nature where there are no charging ports available.

Performance

In the department of organizing and optimizing shots, both of these models come quite well equipped indeed. For example, the image stabilization feature is strong with both of these, so you can bet that your images will not be blurry or otherwise compromised even if your hands are shaky.

For those of you interested in taking portrait shots, you'll be glad to hear that both Alpha 7S II and 7R II come with a specialized feature called face detection focus, which ensures that a person's face is always optimally positioned in the middle of the screen for an excellent shot each time.

To top it all, let's also mention that all of these handy characteristics come in a weather-sealed body, so no matter how poor the working conditions outside happen to be, you can continue vlogging on until you've run out of battery.

Packed with impressive hardware that's powered by a mighty processing engine, the Alpha series models 7R II and 7S II represent great choices for a vlogger who'd like to treat themselves to a pro level camera.

Pros

Efficient wireless connection

Sturdy frame

Can be controlled remotely via a Smartphone

cons

Some users reported having problems with the viewfinder due to humidity

If in need of a plucky and powerful little camera that you can just take out there and count on it getting the job done every time, obtaining one of Sony's camcorder models is probably going to be a great idea.

Features

First of all, I'd like to avert your attention towards the curious shape of this camera. Unlike the vast majority of other models, this one is tubular and accentuates compactness and convenience. In this way, every port and button that you need is bundled so that you can easily reach them with your fingers while holding the camera, and the flip screen enables you to shoot at different angles with ease.

Working tirelessly beneath the hood in an effort to enhance the quality of your images would bethe Exmor R® CMOS sensor — a cutting edge piece of technology that can enhance the quality of your images, and enable soft background defocusing as well.

Performance

One of the more commendable traits of the now well-known FDRAX33 model would be its excellent performance in low-light conditions, especially during the night. There's even a separate feature called the NIGHTSHOT, which you may utilize to take high-quality shots in complete pitch dark!

Further on, this model boasts the capability to shoot video in 4K quality, which is definitely an impressive characteristic if you consider its minute size. Other than this, there's also the possibility to use a specialized platform called the Ustream®, enabling you to send a direct stream of footage together with the recorded sound to a laptop or some other device of your choice.

Espousing a certain air of go-and-get-it, so to speak, this camera is equipped with everything you need for a well-rounded audio-visual experience. If you're a vlogger who likes filming sporting events and other merry occasions with lots of people, this particular model from Sony may be a perfect weapon of choice for you.

Pros

20.6 MP still image capturing power

Built-in USB cable

Automatic wind noise reduction

cons

Soft image in 4K resolution

Best Sony Vlogging Camera:A Buyer's Guide

With Sony cameras, the great thing is that you can't really go wrong with your choice no matter what type of model you decide to go for, as all of them have their distinguished perks and qualities that make them competitive on the market, and also, within the Sony company itself. That being said, having reviewed these 7 models, I've come to the conclusion that there are a couple of features that you might want to pay attention if you're about to buy one of them.

Flip screen

As you may have noticed already, there are several different types of flip screen that manufacturers fit on their camera, from those that can go up and down covering the angle of 180 degrees to those that swivel in more or less all directions. Therefore, if you're a vlogger who likes to take a lot of selfies, a model with a screen that goes up and down for the value of the aforementioned 180 degrees might be just what you need.

Of course, for those in pursuit of a live action to film, with plenty of movement involved for both the person and the camera, having a model with a freely-swiveling screen in their arsenal can really be a lifesaver.

The choice between a 'lensed camera' and that without a lens

When you venture to buy yourself a brand new camera, you'll be faced with an option to purchase a model without the lens. Now, even though this may sound ridiculous at first, it actually makes a lot of sense, because if you're an experienced photographer or, indeed, a vlogger, choosing your own lens can enable you to build your own camera that will answer to the particular style that you developed!

The Sturdiness of the Build

Last but not least, a camera will endure only as much abuse as its body is durable, so if you're planning on doing a vlogging session under a waterfall, for example, you better come equipped with a watertight camera. On the other hand, some models are better off without the additional protection as it stifles their sound quality, but in that case, those devices aren't really the best bet for a fast-paced shooting environment.

Best Sony Vlogging Camera: The Final Words

All things considered, Sony represents one of the best video equipment-manufacturers in the entire world, so buying a camera from them is always a good idea, as their devices are well-known for their durability, toughness, and exceptional performance. This has been the top 7 reviews of the best Sony vlogging cameras with a flip screen. I hope you liked my reviews, and that they helped you find the optimal model for your needs. Best of luck with your purchase and cheers!